Reverend Herbert Wallace Kinzler, age 89, of Ames, Iowa passed away at Green Hills Health Care Center in Ames, on March 21, 2019. A gathering of friends and family will be held from 4-6:00 p.m. Friday, April 5, at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa. A celebration of life memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 6 at First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa. Burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
Wally was born April 20, 1929 in Kenmore, North Dakota, the son of Reverend Otto and Helen (Garriott) Kinzler. He graduated from Milnor High School in Milnor, North Dakota. After high school, Wally attended Bible School at Kletzing College. He married the love of his life Betty Schwartz on March 18, 1952 in Ottumwa, Iowa.
He continued his education at Iowa Wesleyan University, transferred to Simpson College to complete his bachelor's degree, and then Garrett- Evangelical Theological Seminary. Wally was then ordained as a Methodist pastor. Over his 41 years in the ministry, Wally served at Fairfield Circuit Appanoose County Parish, Murray, Chicago (Brookfield), West Chester, Menlo/ Jefferson Center, Glidden, Dumont, Mason City First, Kingsley, and Ackley/Geneva. He retired in 1993.
Post retirement, Wally served as an interim pastor for 3 years and then as the calling pastor for 1st United Methodist Church in Ames, IA. He then continued his ministry as company counselor and chaplain for employees and customers at Kinzler Construction Services, Inc in Ames, Iowa. He was of course disguised as truck loader, driver and lawn maintenance man.
Wally was passionate for God's mission to meet every person and touch every life with love. He met people where they were, churched or unchurched; at coffee or in their tractor; holding a fishing pole or hunting in the field. Wally did mission trips to Red Bird, Kentucky and Zimbabwe, Africa. He chartered the Menlo Lion's Club and was an active Lion's member in each community he served. When at Glidden, Wally and a close friend spun the vision and raised support to start New Hope Village, a home for individuals with disabilities, in Carroll, Iowa. He was honored last year at New Hope's 40-year celebration.
Wally leaves this world with many beautiful, lifelong friendships from every place he lived. But most impacted by his love and guidance, was his family.
Wally is survived by his wife, Betty Kinzler; children, Kevin (Yvonne) Kinzler, Karen LaFee; grandchildren, Tanner (Emily) Kinzler, Lacey Kinzler, Whitney (Mitch) Longtin, Chase (Alexandra) Pitzer, Tatum (Adam) Kaldenberg, Zoey Smith; 9 great grandchildren; sister, Jean Englerth, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Revered Otto Edward Kinzler Jr., Revered Frances (Asbury) Kinzler, sister Mable Mulock; and great grandchildren Kate Kinzler and Lilly Longtin.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The First United Methodist Church, 516 Kellogg Ave, Ames, Iowa, or New Hope, PO Box 887, Carroll, Iowa 51401.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com